The Righteous Shepherd King
Jesus, the true Shepherd King, leads with justice and cares for the vulnerable with perfect righteousness.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ray Stedman draws our attention to Jeremiah’s strong words to King Zedekiah, words that strike at the heart of what leadership before God should look like. Jeremiah 22:3 commands leaders to do what is just and right, to rescue the oppressed, to protect the vulnerable, and to abstain from shedding innocent blood. These were not optional suggestions but essential qualities of leadership in God’s eyes. Zedekiah, like many before him, had failed to live as a shepherd of the people, preferring instead his own power and comfort.
The prophet’s warning was clear: leadership carries weight far beyond ordinary life. Leaders are agents of God, whether they acknowledge Him or not, and their choices ripple through the lives of the people they govern. When they act unjustly, the damage spreads wide. When they rule rightly, the blessings extend far beyond themselves. Stedman reminds us that injustice at the top magnifies its consequences for those below.
Jeremiah also names the weakest groups in society—the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow—and insists that God’s people take particular care not to harm them. Power can easily overlook or trample the vulnerable, yet God’s heart leans toward their protection. Leaders who ignore this responsibility misuse their authority, and nations suffer for it.
Finally, Jeremiah lifts our eyes beyond Zedekiah and even beyond his own day. He points to the coming of a true Shepherd, a righteous King who would reign wisely and fulfill God’s standard of justice. That King is Jesus, the Branch of David, who became for us wisdom from God—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. In Him alone we see the perfect picture of what leadership looks like, and in Him alone we find the security and salvation our souls long for.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I have given you access to the One who is your righteousness. Look not to earthly rulers for your security, for their power is temporary, but fix your eyes on My Son who reigns in justice and truth. In Him you are covered with righteousness that does not fade.
You are not without a Shepherd, for Jesus is your King. He cares for you, protects you, and leads you in paths of righteousness for My name’s sake. Just as He defended the weak and lifted the broken, I call you to yield to His life within you that you may reflect His heart toward those around you.
Remember that you live in union with Him. His wisdom is yours. His holiness is yours. His redemption is yours. You do not stand before Me in your own merit, but in the perfect standing of My Son. Trust Him to express His justice and mercy through you, and you will shine as a light in a world clouded with self-serving leadership.
Scripture References: Jeremiah 22:3, Jeremiah 23:5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Psalm 23:3, Micah 6:8, Matthew 11:29, John 10:11, Philippians 2:13, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a traffic light at a busy intersection. When it functions properly, traffic moves smoothly, and everyone arrives safely at their destination. But when the signal malfunctions, chaos follows. Cars stall, horns blare, and danger rises. Leadership works in the same way. When it operates under God’s wisdom, it promotes order, protection, and peace. When it fails, the vulnerable are placed in jeopardy.
Today, I can look at the intersections of my own life—whether at work, at home, or in my community—and yield those moments to the Lord. I can say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me right now, that I may reflect Your justice and mercy.” In this way, His righteous leadership flows through me into the lives of those He has placed in my path.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that Jesus is my righteousness, holiness, and redemption. I rejoice that I am not left to depend on myself or on the shifting standards of this world, but I live in union with the Righteous King. Thank You that His life in me is sufficient for every relationship and every responsibility. I rest today in the security of His reign and trust You to lead me in Your ways of justice and mercy.